In this absorbing and suspenseful debut novel—reminiscent of Revolutionary Road and inspired by a little-known piece of history—a young couple must fight to save both their marriage and the town they live in.

In 1959, Nat Collier moves with her husband, Paul, and their two young daughters to Idaho Falls, a remote military town. An Army Specialist, Paul is stationed there to help oversee one of the country’s first nuclear reactors—an assignment that seems full of opportunity.

Then, on his rounds, Paul discovers that the reactor is compromised, placing his family and the entire community in danger. Worse, his superiors set out to cover up the problem rather than fix it. Paul can’t bring himself to tell Nat the truth, but his lies only widen a growing gulf between them.

Lonely and restless, Nat is having trouble adjusting to their new life. She struggles to fit into her role as a housewife and longs for a real friend. When she meets a rancher, Esrom, she finds herself drawn to him, comforted by his kindness and company. But as rumors spread, the secrets between Nat and Paul build and threaten to reach a breaking point.

Based on a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident to occur in America, The Longest Night is a deeply moving novel that explores the intricate makeup of a marriage, the shifting nature of trust, and the ways we try to protect the ones we love.

I am reading and enjoying this novel very much. However, as a resident of Pocatello, Idaho (50 miles from Idaho Falls), I feel you need to correct some misinformation before your book is released in paperback form. On page 14, you state that the land around the nuclear reactor was at one time used as the Minidoka Internment camp for Japanese Americans during WWII. That camp (and the shame that accompanies it) was instead located at Hunt, Idaho, about 220 miles west of the National Laboratory. Remnants of the camp are still at Hunt, and it has been listed as a National Historic Site.

Just finished your novel and loved it. It was very informative regarding the reactor site etc. but I truly liked the characters and thought they were real people. You sure did good for a first book and hope you write many more.

Very much enjoyed your book! As someone who grew up in that era, your subtle details brought back lots of memories and feelings I had forgotten about. Cant believe you accomplished such a great debut novel while caring for 3 children. Looking forward to your next one.

Thank you very much for this amazing novel. It made me travel through both time and space, being a french reader! My dad worked in the french army and I will give your book to my parents, who, I’m sure, will enjoy it as well.
I can’t wait to discover your next work!
Greetings from France, and merry Christmas !

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a note. I am so very glad you enjoyed the book. Did you read it in French, as ‘Idaho,’ or the American version? Thank you for reading, and Happy New Year!!

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of fiction. In college, I was primarily a philosophy major. I wanted it to be my job to think a lot and think of things that would change the world. About a year ago I gave myself permission to read fiction. About a month ago I picked up your novel at the local library, partly because of the title (I was perusing) and partly because of the cover (the lower half of a woman, hands gently crossed, modest dress). I don’t consider it random. I am deeply and delightfully humbled by your ability to express complex ideas and experiences in a paragraph – sometimes in a single sentence. This book was accessible, but also deeply engrossing; and I stand in awe of the new creative experience you and other authors have opened inside my heart and mind…